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PM ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW CASES

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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has today announced four new COVID-19 cases in the country.

Speaking during a special address this afternoon, the Prime Minister said all four cases are from our 16 soccer players that had been stranded in the United Kingdom since early this year.

He said all the returning 16 players were seated together in the flight, which minimises the risk of potential spread to other passengers.

The four were the ones that were red flagged upon arrival from Auckland on Sunday night.

The Prime Minister said all passengers on the flight were also required to wear protective facemasks.

“All four cases are currently in the Isolation units at the NRH. The rest of the soccer players are quarantined together,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the remaining travellers from the United Kingdom, France and Italy were also tested last night.

He said all of them have been quarantined in single rooms to minimise any potential spread should any of them become positive.

Prime Minister Sogavare said it is a standard requirement that all passengers must complete their pre-departure tests and truthfully fill a risk assessment questionnaire that is assessed by the health team before passengers are allowed to board.

“All the soccer players were tested negative three times. They each sent their filled questionnaires. However, our contact tracing had already established that not all the questions were answered truthfully,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said it was also reported to the government that one of the soccer players who was positive refused to wear a mask during the flight from Auckland to Honiara, despite being asked to do so repeatedly.

“We know who that individual is, and both he and the nation, need to know that his selfish actions in the plane had put many more passengers that came in on the flight last night at greater risk of exposure to the virus, and he had put our country in danger,” he said.

The Prime Minister said responsible authorities will deal with the matter after the completion of the mandatory quarantine period.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said the four initial cases from our students from Philippines have since recovered and are now COVID-19 free.

He said they will be released after a further three negative tests after the majority of the students are released between 2nd -4th November 2020.

Police warns against visiting foreign vessels

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THE Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) warns against outboard motors (OBMs) going out to foreign vessels while anchored at sea in the Port Cruz Harbour area.

RSIPF Maritime Division, Commander Chief Superintendent, Charles Fox says, “The Maritime Division is assisting the  Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources as part of the covid-19 ongoing operation, to make sure  OBMs do not visit the foreign vessels anchored in the Point Cruz harbour in an operation which begun on October 21, 2020.”

“This Operation is purposely to prohibit outboard motors (OBM) from going out to the foreign vessels upon their arrival into the country and anchored outside in the Point Cruz Harbour area.

“Our police maritime officers will patrol the vicinity of the transhipment vessels to make sure no one is allowed to go out to those foreign fishing vessels.

“OBMs and all other canoes are prohibited. Any body found breaching the Covid-19 Maritime Regulation will be prosecuted.

“Sea patrols will be done regularly to closely monitor the movement of OBMs and other small crafts.

“The crew on the foreign vessels are not allowed to go ashore from the vessels and no one is allowed to board the vessels as stipulated under the Covid-19 Regulations.

“I want to appeal to the general public and to the fish sellers to follow the Regulation that the Government has put in place to protect us all from the covid-19 pandemic.”

–POLICE MEDIA

75 nurses and 55 doctors in covid-19 deployment

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Mavis Podokolo
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Registered nurse taking make their pledge.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

A total of 75 nurses and 55 doctors working at the National Referral Hospital are enlisted into the covid-19 deployment roster, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

“A total of 75 nurses and 55 doctors currently working at the National Referral Hospital are enlisted into the covid-19 deployment roster where they will be deployed for covid-19 operations for two weeks. After completion of the deployment, they will return back to their normal duties,” Sogavare said yesterday, in his national address.

He said Ministry of Health and Medical Services as part of its response measure to covid-19, last week they awarded full registration to 78 nurses. They are now ready to be deployed to support both normal health services at the National Referral Hospital as well as covid-19 operations.

“This is important as many of our nurses at the National Referral Hospital are also engaged with covid-19 operations. These new and fully registered nurses will greatly alleviate pressure on the already outstretched number of nurses at our hospital,” said Sogavare.

Government remain committed to western border security and surveillance

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Barnabas Manebona
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RSIPF Patrol boat Gizo. Photo by Austal.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

NATIONAL Government remains committed to security and surveillance at the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) border.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said support towards strengthening community preparedness and response to Coronavirus (Covid-19) is ongoing by the Western Provincial health teams along the western border communities.

Mr Sogavare said the Government last week through the health ministry has also supported other normal health services, which includes TB and Immunization of children.

“Fellow Solomon Islanders, as I have always reiterated, your Government remains committed to security and surveillance at the SI/PNG border,” said Sogavare.

“Support towards strengthening community preparedness and response to COVID-19 is ongoing by the Western Provincial health teams along the western border communities. Last week, the Government through the health ministry has also supported other normal health services, which includes TB and Immunization of children.

“Health support towards the on-site Coordination and Command Centre in the Shortland Islands is ongoing with the completion and operationalization of the center last week. This is important to have a multi-sectoral coordination site in Short-lands for the duration of the COVID-19 situation to continue to ensure effective and efficient response at the border.

“Also last week, we have received reports of an alleged illegal exchange of goods between locals in Noro and crews of a ship that have undergone quarantine outside of Noro Port. Authorities have been notified and the western province health rapid response team swiftly conducted risk assessments. Although, it was concluded that the risk level was low, I urge citizens and foreign fishing vessels to respect the country’s quarantine laws.”

Government readjusts finance resources, thanks to covid-19

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Jennifer Kusapa
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has revealed that government is readjusting its finance resources due to pressure from covid-19.

In his nation-wide address yesterday Mr Sogavare said government has reprioritised financial resources to ensure the situation is dealt with and that essential services are continuously delivered.

Sogavare said the government through the Ministry of Finance and Treasury is expected to announce a series of expenditure control measures for the remaining months of this year while funding arrangements are being put in place to ensure the national government continues to honour its ongoing financial commitments and obligations.

He said the current covid-19 pandemic continues to put a lot of pressure on government finances and the economy as a whole, and government revenue continues to perform below budget as expected.

He also said government is committed to ensure that the virus is contained to prevent government finance and the economy to further decline.

“I wish to reassure the nation that the management of covid-19 and the measures to contain the virus combined with keeping our domestic economy afloat, remain the key priorities for the Government,” Sogavare added.

First cycle of deployed front liners cleared

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Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE first cycle of front liners who were deployed to front line operations have been cleared as low risks, says Prime Minister Manasseh.

Mr Sogavare said the 20 staffs include six health workers and 14 police officers. They have now since been released and are now back with their families.

“My good people, in terms of the staff deployment cycle, it has now entered its second cycle, with new staff deployed to front line operations. As part of the deployment cycle, daily risk assessment has been carried out on staff deployed as frontline workers.

“Moreover, a total of 75 nurses and 55 doctors currently working at the National Referral Hospital are now enlisted into the covid-19 deployment roster where they will be deployed for covid-19 operations for two weeks. After completion of the deployment, they will return back to their normal duties,” he said.

TSL lone import impressed

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John Alick

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

TELEKOM Soccer League (TSL) lone import player, Vanuatu’s John Alick has been impressive with the competitiveness of the first Round of the competition this season.

The Solomon Warriors defending midfielder revealed that the 2020/2021 Season has been competitive compared to past seasons. 

“This season is competitive than the last season, because it has eleven teams and everyone did their best to compete,” Alick told SunSPORTS in an interview.

The national Vanuatu player also has been overwhelmed with the impact by former national U17 players during the competition.

“I really appreciate the performances of the U17 players, how they performed showed they want to compete to the standard where we all expected from them, the team managements and supporters.

“They scored good goals and made good results, great impact and a way forward for Solomon Island soccer,” Alick expressed.

The towering midfielder this season will be his third TSL appearance as he aims to lead the defending champions to close the gap on the top spots.

Henderson Eels currently are four points clear on 27 points securing the top seat followed by Laugu FC and Warriors.

“For round two, its good teams maintain the same standard into the final round,” Alick wraps.

Former Wallabies and SIRUF mentor speaks out

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Former Wallabies and SIRUF mentor Illivasi Tabua. Photo supplied.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

FORMER Wallabies and SIRUF mentor Illivasi Tabua has urged rugby bodies to be firm in their decision making for the sake of the sport.

The rugby community in Honiara is in limbo as to when the Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) Premier Division grand final will be held and what the official result to the controversial Division A final will be like.

The country’s rugby union federation (SIRUF) has closed the rugby stadium, requesting HRUA to deal with its problem. HRUA, must make a decision and submit it to SIRUF, which must agree to it before schedules for the Premier Division final can be allowed to resume.

One week on, and there is still no decision reached.

Speaking to SunSPORTS yesterday, Tabua questioned the delay saying that the executive decisions have to be firm.

“Why the delay? The issues are clear and are with the executive and they have to be firm with their decisions,” Tabua told SunSPORTS.

“I have always three key things in development; I’d be the players and their knowledge of the game and the values and laws. Coaches and team management to empower their players into skill, speed and power of the game with discipline with right attitude and the referees to be well versed with the laws of the game consistency.

“There has to be a competition participation agreement and as clear indication what happened in this sort of event. And all team management and coaches should know quite clearly.

“For too long this has been happen you have to put their foot down enough is enough we don’t want this in our game,” Tabua stressed.

He added that when spectators involve is a civil case, and teams walking off should face the ban.

“We can’t bring the game to disrepute, no one is bigger than the game and we don’t need it in our game,” he said.

He continued that the agreement between teams and organisers before the competition is for any regulation broken should be taken to task, according to the agreement.

“There isn’t are participation agreement, is there one in the HRUA competition? He questioned.

“Because of the duty of care to its members and stakeholders and spectators they could be liable,” he stated.

According to World Rugby regulation 17 a team walks out is a breach and 9.28 A player must not verbally abuse a Match Official.  Verbal abuse includes, but is not limited to, abuse based on: religion, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation. 9.28      A player must not make physical contact with Match Officials.

In respect of offences not referred to in Appendix 1, appropriate sanctions may be imposed at the discretion of the relevant Judicial Officer, Disciplinary Committee, Appeal Officer and/or Appeal Committee (as the case may be). 

Meanwhile, current SIRUF CEO Alivereti Mocelutu told this paper that there are no decisions yet.

“We are awaiting executive decision on that with HRUA in the next meeting for updates,” Mocelutu said.

Big players transfer

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Ian Paia will feature for Laugu FC in the TSL round two. Photo ISN File

Laugu FC released three key players; Paia onboard as replacement  

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

WITH the Telekom S League transfer window opened this week, league top contenders Laugu FC have already released three of its key players, while signed in former KOSSA FC forward Ian Paia with options for defender for Michael Boso as replacements.

Laugu FC management revealed these in a statement to SunSPORTS on 26th October.

“We confirm three of our players have been released to other TSL Clubs,” the club statement confirmed.

The players are; Gagame Feni, Matson Feni and Jared Rongosulia.

The trios have been instrumental in the men in black’s campaign to reach their current standing on 23 points behind leaders, Henderson Eels, however the players decided to leave the club following the end of round one.

Despite these the Laugu FC club management is yet optimistic ahead of the final league round.

“The team we can manage these despite the players movement. We are taking in a forward and a defender for their replacement,” Laugu FC club confirmed.

“Paia already joined us in training over the weekend (Saturday). Now we are in talks with Boso to replace Matson in defense, and we will see how it goes since only two players are allowed for transfer.

“The players made their own decisions in regards, maybe attractive packages are the main factor,” the club statement reads.

Boso’s confirmation from Isabel FC is yet pending as talks will continue throughout the week.

The Feni brothers have been said to return to their homegrown club, Solomon Warriors along with Rongosulia signing their allegiance Friday last week.

“We decide to leave the club and return to our original team where we have made our names with,” Matson told SunSPORTS last night.

“For Jared, we don’t know in the coming days since the regulation only allowed two transfers. But we are currently in training with Warriors.

Gagame has scored seven goals in black color during the first stage of the season.  

Isabel FC have also said shown interest in signing former national U17 skipper, Charles Mani awaiting paper works for his signature according to a club insider.

The mid-season transfer window opens today Monday 26th October and closes on Saturday 7th.

“Transfer of players from one participating club to another for Round 2 of the TSL 2020 shall be permitted but with restrictions.

“Each participating club shall be permitted to register a maximum of up to two (2) registered players from other participating clubs for Round 2 TSL 2020 during the Third Registration Period. Such players are considered as transfer players. Upon satisfaction of registration requirements, transfer players shall be eligible to play for their new club during Round 2 of the TSL 2020,” a statement from the Solomon Islands Football Federation reads.

Red flagged

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Mavis Podokolo
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Photo: Google

-Four passengers from Sunday night’s high-risk repa-flight in isolation awaiting test result

-Government brings in tarmac testing to boost covid-19 detection measures

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

FOUR passengers from Sunday night’s high-risk repatriation flight have been red-flagged and are being kept and monitored in isolation units.

These four are from the 22 passengers who were identified as having come from high-risk countries.

Government, in a press statement yesterday, reassures that the red-flag is a precautionary measure.

Contact tracing is also underway to ascertain who had been exposed to these four before and during flight.

Meanwhile, government has introduced ‘tarmac testing’ of identified passengers as an added means of detecting any possible covid-19 entry immediately upon flight arrival. This new measure complements government’s mandatory requirement that all passengers and crew are tested within 48 hours of arrival.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in his national address yesterday said 136 passengers came in the flight, 22 of whom were picked and swabbed upon arrival. The rest had reportedly come from low-risk countries.

The flight had picked up the passengers in Auckland, New Zealand. Some of the passengers had transited there after flying in from high-risk countries such as the UK, France and Italy.

PM Sogavare said, “Four passengers of the 22 who were swabbed raised concerns and were red flagged.

“They have been tested and currently being monitored while awaiting results. These four are being kept in isolation as a precaution.

“We have decided to step up and do tarmac testing upon arrival to better manage passengers arriving from high risk countries, which was why our health authorities did tarmac testing.

“The remaining passengers will be tested within 48 hours in accordance to the normal testing protocols.

“Contact tracing is now being done to determine who came into contact with these four cases before boarding and during the flight as well.

“These are precautionary measures that we are undertaking as per standard operating procedures and protocols.

“Let me assure you all that our officials are working around the clock to keep us safe. Let us pray for them as they continue to serve and protect our people.”

A media statement from the PM Press Secretariat yesterday said the flight had brought home passengers who had travelled from Italy, France, England, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.

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